Paddy McCourt, who was sent bullets in the post this week, accepts as a Celtic
player there is intense pressure on and off the field – and still wants to
play for Northern Ireland.

Strathclyde Police are carrying out an investigation after a package containing bullets and addressed to McCourt at Celtic Park was discovered by Royal Mail workers in the east end of Glasgow on Tuesday.

Bullets sent to Niall McGinn and Celtic manager Neil Lennon last week were detected by postal workers in Mallusk, County Antrim. All three packages were posted in Northern Ireland.

Asked if the events of this week had impacted on him, McCourt replied: “No, not at all.”

The winger, who joined Celtic from Derry City in June 2008, has this season established himself in the first team, making 18 appearances and scoring five goals.

McCourt said it took time for him to settle in Glasgow, in part due to injuries, but he is determined not to allow the pressure of playing for Celtic to get to him.